Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has announced changes in the captaincy of their women’s side, the Victoria Pearls, ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers that bowls off on 25th April in the UAE.
UCA has replaced Consy Aweko with Janet Mbabazi as the captain of the side with just 20 days left to the start of the globals.
Mbabazi has been the side’s vice captain, and has been such since 2017, but she has been trusted with a bigger role. She will be assisted by Rita Musamali in the vice captaincy role.
Aweko’s Legacy
Aweko will hold no leadership role going forward, but she will be proud of what she achieved as captain.
Her reign of two years brought about four trophies that included the Nepal Series, Capricorn Quadrangular, Kenya Invitational and the Victoria Series.
Aweko also led the Victoria Pearls to the global qualifiers, becoming the second captain to do so.
The spinner has been one to lead by example. In 2022, she topped the charts in bowling in Women’s T20Is with 40 wickets, and ended 2023 as the player with the second most wickets (35).
She has been at the forefront both with her leadership and performance, but will now follow the proceedings as a regular player.
Final Qualifiers Squad Announced
While announcing the incoming captain, UCA also named it’s final 15 for the global qualifiers, and notably excludes fast bowler Irene Alumo.
Alumo was ommitted from the team that travelled to India for a training camp and to Ghana for the African Games. She will have to wait a little longer to make a return to the team.
Patricia Malemekia her fellow pacer misses out too, but opening batter Proscovia Alako makes the team. Like the aforementioned duo, Alako missed the trips to India and Ghana.
Teenagers Lorna Anyait and Malisa Ariokot maintain their places in the team, however, Immaculate Nandera who made her national team debut in India is left out.
Uganda’s Quest for World Cup Qualification
Uganda is placed in Group A alongside Scotland, Thailand, USA and Sri Lanka. They will be hoping to be among the top two sides in Abu Dhabi as they seek to qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever.
The side will set off for Abu Dhabi on 19th April and will play two warm up games against Vanuatu and UAE before their opening group game against Scotland on 25th.
The World Cup Global Qualifiers Squad in Full:
Janet Mbabazi (Captain), Rita Musamali (vice Captain), Consy Aweko, Kevin Awino, Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Evelyn Anyipo, Sarah Akiteng, Phionah Khulume, Proscovia Alako, Gloria Obukor, Esther Iloku, Lorna Anyait, Malissa Ariokot, Sarah Walaza.
Courtesy Photos
